11 Things I Like About Freelance Writing

I’ve got a little list… anyone know where that comes from? No, no prize, just fun. Here are 11 of the reasons I like being a freelance writer:

I get to work at home.

I can write in my pajamas.

I don’t have to wear a bra

I don’t have to wear pointy shoes

I can go into my garden to edit.

I can take a nap if I want.

I can go shopping on Tuesday morning instead of during the weekend when everyone else is going shopping.

I can mostly control the pace of my work.

I get to work with truly interesting people I wouldn’t meet if I had a job job.

I don’t have to look busy while I’m thinking.

I get to set my own salary, more or less.

Okay, there’s my eleven, right off the top of my head. Actually this is in response to Problogger’s 31 Days to a better blog email, Day 2, which means I’m only two days behind. And yes, you can still sign up. If you’ve got a blog, do so.

I’m partnering with Kristen King of inkthinker and we’re egging each other on via skype messaging.

I agree with your list Anne. To add some more:
– I can schedule some time for leisurely reading – just as important to writers as the actual writing.
– I don’t have to take a “vacation leave” when I travel. I just take my laptop with me.
– I love my work so much that I don’t feel the need to “get away from it all”.
– It can be more profitable or more stable than a regular job if you do it right.

I like it because I get to write on my own time (I’m not exactly a morning person). I can watch a favorite show when I take a break, or read a book. I also like working in my comfortable clothes…it’s sometimes difficult to remember that I have to put on shoes, a bra, etc. when I leave the house. I don’t think I could go back to a regular job, lol.

With this recession going on, I like the fact that I can work for several different companies at the same time and have more resilience (I hope) than an employee who is entirely dependent on the fortunes of just one company.

Also, I’m always curious about how things work and why things are the way they are. I’m the guy who always says “this isn’t working very well, how can we make it better.” This is a good attribute for a consultant and writer – the perpetual outsider. But it’s perhaps a little corrosive for someone on the inside.

Also, as a self-employed person, I get to work for a boss I really like. 🙂